Is a program manager a functional manager?

Question

Is the program manager considered to be a functional manager? I'm asking this because the program manager has infinite authority over the resources, and he can easily assume all the roles and the responsibilities of the functional manager if he wants to.

Answer 1

The program manager is typically an executive, so he is usually higher in the food chain than the functional manager (who is usually in middle management). Nevertheless, it is possible to have a program manager as a functional manager at the same time.

Now about the infinite authority over the resources, this depends on your organizational structure. If you're in project matrix structure, then yes, the Program Manager does have this supreme power of the resources. If you're in a functional organizational structure, then it is possible (but not necessary) for the program manager to still have the infinite authority over the resources, as in this type of structure, it is nearly a given that a program manager is also a high level executive. In either case, the authority is rarely, if ever, exercised.

Answer 2

This probably depends on the company size.  In a small company, I can see one person taking on both roles (program manager and functional manager).  In large companies, they do tend to be separated.  Functional managers need to deal with placement of resources when they are released from programs as well as prepare them with training for other program assignments.  The functional manager would have control over performance and salary reviews.